Thursday, July 11
Newmarket Fresh Food Market Family Fun Day: York Region Food Network hosts its affordable food market, as well as treats and activities for kids, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the back field of Maple Leaf Public School, 155 Longford Dr., Newmarket. Cash, credit and debit accepted.
TD Newmarket Music Series: Newmarket's free summer concert series takes place at downtown’s Riverwalk Commons on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout July and August. The lineup features a mixture of local talent along with premier tribute bands offering a mix of pop, rock and soul. Bring a lawn chair and arrive early to secure a spot. Parking is limited due to volume. Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Newmarket Food Pantry. July 11 is Canadian Rock Night, Practically Hip tribute to The Tragically Hip and Summer of 69 tribute to Bryan Adams). Opening is Jagged, a tribute to Alanis Morissette. You can see the full line-up for the summer here.
Western Night at 13 Shillings Equestrian Centre: Western Night at 13 Shillings Equestrian Centre, 4687 Herald Rd., Newmarket features equine-assisted learning at 6 p.m. (EAL) with instructor Frances Fraser for 45 minutes, and at 7 p.m., line dancing lessons with Cheatin' Hearts for two hours, beginners to intermediate level. Tickets online $20 https://www.cheatinhearts.ca/events or $25 cash at the door.
Comedy Night Aurora: Get ready to laugh your socks off at Comedy Night Aurora - a night filled with hilarious stand-up comedians and good vibes from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Tipsy Goose Aurora, 15171 Yonge St. Free, reserve a spot here.
East Gwillimbury Farmers Market: Every Thursday, rain or shine, the farmers market features local vegetables, artisan vendors, meat, cheese, baked goods, honey, soaps until Sept. 28 at the Civic Centre at 19000 Leslie St. in Sharon from 2 to 7 p.m. Some vendors may only accept cash payments.
Richmond Hill Concerts in the Park at Mill Pond, Thursdays: Presented by Tim Hortons, July’s toe-tapping tunes include music by Fabulous Knockouts – Oldies Rock n Roll (July 11), Trilogy – Styx & Foreigner (July 18), and Groove Marmalade – Motown (July 25) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mill Pond. Concert-goers are encouraged to walk or cycle as nearby parking is limited. Attendees can leave their bike at the bike valet booth.
Friday, July 12
COBS Barbecue for CHATS: COBS Bread Bakery at Aurora Gateway (Longo's Plaza), 676 Wellington St. East, hosts a charity barbecue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in support of CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors) $6 hamburgers, $4 hot dogs, soft drinks.
Bridgerton Evening Makeup and Tea Party: Join an elegant evening of tea, treats and Regency-era makeup application inspired by the hit show Bridgerton from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brew It Coffee Bar, 460 Davis Dr., Newmarket. Tickets $65.
Easy Money at Market Brewing: Easy Money brings live funk, blues, rock and soul to Market Brewing Inc., 17775 Leslie St., Newmarket, at 7 p.m.
The Glamour Assassins and Alan Kranczoch at Ground Burger Bar: The Glamour Assassins and Alan Kranczoch return to the patio at the Ground Burger Bar, Doug Duncan Drive at 6 p.m.
Aurora Bridge Club: Play duplicate bridge weekly with the Aurora club at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave., from 12:15 to 4 p.m., open games Wednesdays and Fridays, Thursday 0-500. Price $6 to $10.
Saturday, July 13
EV Roadshow: NT Power and Plug'n Drive host an electric vehicle event with test drives, experts to answer your questions and provide information on electric vehicles, charging solutions, and assistance programs, and an information booth with details about peak savers, the energy affordability program, and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Magna Centre Lot at the EV chargers, 800 Mulock Dr., Newmarket.
International Puzzle Day: Goblets & Goblins hosts an International Puzzle Day event with puzzle competion with cash prizes, sales and swaps, cocktails and raffles from noon to 4 p.m. at 17766 Leslie St., Newmarket. Tickets $12, reserve here.
Bollywood Golden Melodies: The show featuring the best Hindi movie songs from the 1950s to 2022 presented by musicians and singers renowned within GTA is at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, Newmarket from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets $35.
Scotiabank Stouffville Fusion Fest – Taste of Mediterranean: A celebration of food, music and culture returns with Scotiabank Stouffville Fusion Fest Taste of the Mediterranean from noon to 11 p.m. at Memorial Park, 2 Park Dr., Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Purple Turtle Arts Festival, July 13 to 14: Paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery and woodcraft are only a few of the mediums featured by more than 35 artisans from Ontario, including local artists. Stroll around the lush meadow and shop with vendors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Briars Resort and Spa Meadow, 991 Lake Dr. E., Jackson’s Point.
Newmarket Farmers' Market: The Newmarket Farmers' Market at Riverwalk Commons, on Doug Duncan Drive, where you can connect with local farmers, enjoy delicious treats, discover unique artisans, take in some live music, and enter a draw for a market basket, while visiting with family and friends. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October.
Aurora Farmers' Market & Artisan Fair: Shop local, shop fresh at the Aurora Farmers' Market Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 26 at 49 Wells St. (northeast corner of Town Park) featuring artisans, farmers, food vendors and community groups.
Outdoor Meditation All Seasons: Join the meditation group every Saturday outdoors in the beautiful setting of Fairy Lake Park at 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., rain or shine. Some mats, cushions, and chairs will be available. Dress appropriately for the weather, and feel free to bring a mat, cushion or folding chair if you like, but not necessary.
Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury is open for summer season with weekly farmer/vendor markets, weekly workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and lavender picking in six fields with four different species of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres. New activities this year features weekly picnic bookings, candle and other maker workshops, and harvesting your own lavender plants. Contact [email protected] for more information, 20132 McCowan Rd. East Gwillimbury.
Sunday, July 14
Purple Turtle Arts Festival: Paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery and woodcraft are only a few of the mediums featured by more than 35 artisans from Ontario, including local artists. Stroll around the lush meadow and shop with vendors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Briars Resort and Spa Meadow, 991 Lake Dr. E., Jackson’s Point.
Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury is open for summer season with weekly farmer/vendor markets, weekly workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and lavender picking in six fields with four different species of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres. New activities this year features weekly picnic bookings, candle and other maker workshops, and harvesting your own lavender plants. Contact [email protected] for more information, 20132 McCowan Rd., East Gwillimbury.
Coming up:
Aurora's Concerts in the Park, Wednesdays: The Town of Aurora and TD Bank Group host free live music every Wednesday at Aurora Town Park from 7 to 9 p.m. in July and August. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Aurora Food Pantry for a chance to win a prize pack. Bring your own portable chairs. July 17 is Hotel California, a tribute to the Eagles; July 24 the Beresford perform Taylor Swift. See the full line-up here. To check for inclement weather cancellations, call the 24-hour special events line at 905-726-4762.
Richmond Hill's Retro Ribfest, July 19 to 21: Richmond Hill’s Retro Ribfest returns to Richmond Green with drool-worthy, finger-licking ribs, fun contests, midway, activities and live music Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. East. For the complete line-up of the weekend, visit RichmondHill.ca/Ribfest.
Newmarket Makers Festival, Saturday, July 20: NewMakeIt hosts its 2nd annual makers festival with artisans market, live demonstrations of pottery and blacksmithing and other live entertainment from 1:30 to 8 p.m. at NewMakeIt at 621 Timothy St.
Conscious Club Night, Saturday, July 20: DJ GQ, George Quarcoo, will spin a selection of dancehall, reggaeton, pop, afro and disco songs at this no-alcohol served event. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door for the dance night at the Optimist Club of Newmarket, 55 Forhan Ave., beginning at 8 p.m.
Lavender Festival for SickKids, Saturday, July 20: Support SickKids Hospital at the Lavender Festival with live polo matches, East Gwillimbury firefighters, vendor market, fun kid-friendly activities around the farm, and a full day of yoga classes at the Lavender Polo Farm, 20132 McCowan Rd., East Gwillimbury from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 adult, $10 child, $40 family. Chef-prepared lunch is $10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. @CitrusbyChefJay.
Markham Jazz Fest, Aug. 16 to 18: The Markham Jazz Festival features more than 30 free jazz, blues, soul and related acts on three stages, as well as along charming Main Street Unionville and in area restaurants. Experience award-winning music (Grammy and Juno winners) in Unionville's charming heritage village setting. Headliners include New York-based Duchess, and Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis (Best Jazz Vocal Album 2024) on Friday evening. Saturday evening includes Jackie Richardson, Juno winner Dominique St Fils, plus the amazing U.N. Jefferson. Sunday, Hilario Duran's Big Band (2024 Juno winner for Jazz Album of the year) closes off the show. Friday 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Sunday noon to 6:30 p.m. There is a free continuous shuttle from Markham Pan Am Centre, 15 Main St. near Unionville GO, and free parking. More information at markhamjazzfestival.com
